CAPE TOWN – South Africa has kept the title hopes alive after their 87-32 victory over Sri Lanka on Saturday.
South Africa made four changes to the team that played against Walwa in the 2023 Netball World Cup opener on Friday.
Izette Griesel, Nicola Smith, Nichole Taljaard and Jeanté Strydom came in for Phumza Maweni, Ine-Marí Venter, Khanyisa Chawane and Karla Pretorius respectively.
Meanwhile, coach Norma Plummer has once again rested Lenize Potgieter due to a niggle injury she picked up at the training this week.
The match saw Pretorius and Venter reaching their milestones of 100 and 50 caps respectively.
It didn’t take long for the Proteas to set the ball rolling, continuing where they left off against Wales a day before.
Goal shooter Elmere van der Berg and goal attack Taljaard were at the forefront taking the host nation to a comfortable position with their goals – bagging 28 and 17 respectively to take South Africa to 45-18 at the interval.
At the end of the third quarter, the Spar Proteas had found their right balance completely, thanks to their eight women – the fans, as they took a convincing lead of 68-24.
Plummer’s charges hold onto their performance to clinch their second win of the tournament – with the Jamaicans waiting on Sunday.
Full time:
?? 87-32 Sri Lanka #NWC2023 pic.twitter.com/6o22tFwKP0
— Ayanda Frances Felem (@AyandaFelemZA) July 29, 2023
The Player of the Match award went to Jeante Strydom who made her debut against Wales on Friday.
The Caribbean side has kept their 100% winning record so far in the campaign after their 105 and 75 victories in the tournament.
“We had a good game today, the coach made some changes giving other players a chance as we also prepare to face Jamaica tomorrow,” said Phumza Maweni.
“I played one quarter but this is what sport is about, giving other people a chance.
“To see our fans coming out in numbers once again is an amazing feeling to us, this gives us a boost we need. The way we approached this match was unbelievable and thanks to our supporters who are giving us the push.
“We are going to need their push one more time against Jamaica tomorrow, the side that has the same style as us – the way they are playing they have an African style. It’s going to be a tough clash but we will give it all.”
South Africa will face Jamaica at 18:00 on Sunday.
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Spar Proteas goal keeper @PhumzaMaweni after their win against Sri Lanka. #NWC2023 pic.twitter.com/BesfAWJjz0
— Ayanda Frances Felem (@AyandaFelemZA) July 29, 2023
Image: Netball World Cup
